2026-07-07 –, Auditorium
Prior to around 1930, the Binkley Cave system was unknown. There had been no known entrances at least since Europeans arrived in Indiana. The first entrance into the system was gained via a nearly vertical opening after the overnight draining of a sinkhole pond. That remained the only entrance into the cave for over 40 years until the Baelz entrance to the cave was opened by cavers in the fall of 1970.
Since 1970, another nine entrances into the cave system have been connected in, dug, excavated, or drilled. Three other existing cave entrances were connected into the system by in-cave digs, two new entrances were dug manually by cavers, four more by mechanical excavation, and a tenth utilizing both mechanical and manual techniques.
Major discoveries or new connections have come as a result of seven in-cave digs. One occurred in 1970 and the rest between 1999 and 2013. Only one significant in-cave dig has so far been a failure (Soda Straw Alley). Three digs in nearby caves have so far failed to connect (Watermelon Horror Hole, Dixie Schoolhouse, and Binkley Pit).
Three surface digs have resulted in major discoveries and significant connections. A fourth resulted in a new entrance into the system. Only one major surface excavation has so far not been connected into the system (Butch's Dig). In addition, there is still one cave closely related to the Binkley system that has a promising in-cave dig moving big air but not yet tackled.
In summary, eleven of fifteen major surface or in-cave dig projects have been successful. A success rate of over 73%. Mainly as a result of these various digging projects, the Binkley cave system has grown from just over 11 miles in 1969 to over 46 miles in surveyed length today. Dye traces indicate enough square miles of sinkhole plain remain barren of cave to suggest that someday the Binkley cave system may approach or surpass 100 miles in surveyed length.
Gary T. Roberson